General What phone should I buy next? -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here!

KidCarter93 · Aug 21, 2012

Hi everyone,

This thread is a continuation of this thread.

This is here so you can discuss what your next phone/tablet should be, if you're not sure what to pick.

Also, if you need advice as to which device is better than another, then feel free to ask those questions in here aswell.

This is an attempt to clear out all the similar threads being created around these forums.

*NOTE* I will be requesting thread maintenance as and when it is needed, to remove any SPAM comments

mwaterbu · Jan 23, 2017

Amowagou said:
Buy an iPhone , even though It is made in China, 99.9% of the profit out of it goes to the USA.

Sorry, I figured when I asked about a good phone on XDA, it was assumed that I was limiting my search to Android devices. iOS is not a consideration for me. Thanks though.

sergyu21 · Jan 23, 2017

i am in doubts about a new phone too. i have a nokia 808 which is awesome at least at camera and parts that require camera. it can open any image/video known to man, even the blu-ray movies, anything up to full hd, audio is clear without distorsion, the camera is perfect. i have other phones and tablets, but nothing compares to it. i want to know if it's good to wait for the nokia's flagship or change the brand to a huawei, lg... any opinion is appreaciated, but not iphone/samsung, i hate them.

350Rocket · Jan 23, 2017

Well there should be lots of options with custom roms available if you stick with the more popular options, but you need to double check the device you pick is one of them.

Also if you want stock Android, stay away from Samsung's because you are stuck with TouchWiz based Roms (of which many good ones are available), but no stock Android. If you pick an HTC flagship you will have the option of either sense based or stock based Roms, however the camera and audio quality is often not as good on stock Android based Roms because of closed source drivers. The roms can still be fast and stable despite this.

If you want custom roms based on stock Android that likely function 100% as well as out of the box software than you should stick with nexus, OnePlus or some Motorola phones like my Moto x 2014.

zelendel · Jan 23, 2017

malown said:
Hey guys,

after years of being an iPhone user i wanna switch over to android. Now... i really enjoy being able to update my phone the very minute a new OS is out. So what would be the best decision for me? I don't wanna spend a lot of money (<=200€ would be perf, a little more is also ok). I need bluetooth, an (AM)OLED display, 4G, support for 128GB SD-cards and the ability to root the phone and an AUX port. Power isn't really that important to me. Of course i don't wanna wait minutes for an app to open, but i also don't really need to be able to play the latest 3D AAA games. Oh and the OS should be as close to stock android as possible (this is super important to me, is that achievable when a device is rooted? can you replace the launcher/delete apps etc.?)!

As I understand it, the best choice would be a phone that has custom rom support, but from what i read there aren't actually that many (which is weird because i always thought this would be more widespread across android devices). Any help, tips would be highly appreciated

You will have to come off some of your stuff. The only devices that get updates right away are nexus and the pixel. With those you lose SD card support.

As for custom rom support. We'll that depends on what you really need as you will have to pick and choose.

Shark5060 · Jan 24, 2017

I am currently looking for a new phone and thought maybe you could help me find the perfect match for me.

My current phone is a Galaxy S6, with which I am more or less satisfied. The phone itself is great, but I don't like the lack of AOSP. Also TouchWiz is so strange in some parts and incompatible with most xposed addons and stuff, that it's not even funny.

I am looking for a phone with an ~5 inch display, decent battery life, front facing fingerprint scanner and the ability to install AOSP based roms without sacrificing 90% of the features. I am located in the EU so it would be nice if the device is available here (and ofc is comaptible with our LTE bands).

Thanks a lot.

aviralrstg · Jan 24, 2017

Shark5060 said:
I am currently looking for a new phone and thought maybe you could help me find the perfect match for me.

My current phone is a Galaxy S6, with which I am more or less satisfied. The phone itself is great, but I don't like the lack of AOSP. Also TouchWiz is so strange in some parts and incompatible with most xposed addons and stuff, that it's not even funny.

I am looking for a phone with an ~5 inch display, decent battery life, front facing fingerprint scanner and the ability to install AOSP based roms without sacrificing 90% of the features. I am located in the EU so it would be nice if the device is available here (and ofc is comaptible with our LTE bands).

Thanks a lot.

Why don't you buy a phone that comes with Stock Android, just buy a Pixel.
How about ROMs similar to AOSP like: Oxygen OS-Oneplus 3T or Moto Z.
Also worth checking: Xiaomi Mi 5.
All the phones I mentioned except Pixel have front facing fingerprint sensor. If you need further help narrowing down your options, mention other things you want in your phone.

z4ck1n · Jan 24, 2017

strongst said:
The right answer can only be: a camera!

haha!

On serious note... something in mobile devices?

aviralrstg · Jan 24, 2017

malown said:
Damn :/
I mentioned custom rom support, cause that way it would be easier to stay up-to-date... 128GB SD card is a must... didn't think this would be so hard xD. Is there a site that let's you select features you want and can recommend you devices based on them? I am at the point right now where i probably will stay with the iPhone then...

Try finding here: http://m.gsmarena.com/search.php3

bamless · Jan 24, 2017

sergyu21 said:
i am in doubts about a new phone too. i have a nokia 808 which is awesome at least at camera and parts that require camera. it can open any image/video known to man, even the blu-ray movies, anything up to full hd, audio is clear without distorsion, the camera is perfect. i have other phones and tablets, but nothing compares to it. i want to know if it's good to wait for the nokia's flagship or change the brand to a huawei, lg... any opinion is appreaciated, but not iphone/samsung, i hate them.

I just bought a Moto G4 and i love it! Nearly stock android, great official support for updates (it's basically a nexus on these aspects) and great custom rom support if you like to tinker with your phone. The price is really low, here where i live i can get it for 170 euros on amazon. The only downsides of this phones are a big screen (at least for me, 5.5" is a little too much for my taste) and a not so great camera. If you don't take too many photos and don't want to spend much i would strogly recommend it to you. techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/motorola-moto-g4-1321488/review here's a review that was helpful to me when i was deciding whether or not to buy it.

---------- Post added at 11:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 PM ----------

malown said:
Hey guys,

after years of being an iPhone user i wanna switch over to android. Now... i really enjoy being able to update my phone the very minute a new OS is out. So what would be the best decision for me? I don't wanna spend a lot of money (<=200€ would be perf, a little more is also ok). I need bluetooth, an (AM)OLED display, 4G, support for 128GB SD-cards and the ability to root the phone and an AUX port. Power isn't really that important to me. Of course i don't wanna wait minutes for an app to open, but i also don't really need to be able to play the latest 3D AAA games. Oh and the OS should be as close to stock android as possible (this is super important to me, is that achievable when a device is rooted? can you replace the launcher/delete apps etc.?)!

As I understand it, the best choice would be a phone that has custom rom support, but from what i read there aren't actually that many (which is weird because i always thought this would be more widespread across android devices). Any help, tips would be highly appreciated

Just read my last post, the moto g4 seems to be the perfect fit for your needs!

aniruddhabag3 · Jan 25, 2017

Good Phones

You can purchase samsung j5 prime, on next, on8 or for better design and look samsung A5. For fantastic design and look oneplus x but this one is 3g. Redmi note 4 for best value for money with good quality if you can compromise with good ips display and if available in your country.

---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 PM ----------

For better after market support and customization like custom rom, tweaks etc MI5 or oneplus 3T best :cowboy:

Ult1mateer · Jan 25, 2017

LeEco Le 2 X527 3GB/32GB vs. Zuk Z2 4GB/64GB vs. Xiaomi Mi5 3GB/32GB?

d3kod3 · Jan 26, 2017

Need suggestions on buying a new or old (max 2 month used) device. My requirements are :-
* LTE MUST
* 3GB RAM
* Good Battery Backup on regular use
* Min 5.2 display size
* Decent Developer support on XDA
Budget is 9000/- (140$) Hardly managed
I'm bending toward redmi 3s prime but that hybrid sim slot is real pain in ass.

aviralrstg · Jan 26, 2017

d3kod3 said:
Need suggestions on buying a new or old (max 2 month used) device. My requirements are :-
* LTE MUST
* 3GB RAM
* Good Battery Backup on regular use
* Min 5.2 display size
* Decent Developer support on XDA
Budget is 9000/- (140$) Hardly managed
I'm bending toward redmi 3s prime but that hybrid sim slot is real pain in ass.

What is your priority, Developer Support or 3GB RAM? I am almost certain you can't get both in this budget. This because such companies either use Meditatek processors and/or don't care to release sources which is required for development.
I would recommend k6 power(3GB ram, no dev support) or Redmi Note 3(2GB Ram at 10k, 3GB Ram at 12k, excellent Dev support).

Hit thanks if it helped.

aviralrstg · Jan 26, 2017

Ult1mateer said:
LeEco Le 2 X527 3GB/32GB vs. Zuk Z2 4GB/64GB vs. Xiaomi Mi5 3GB/32GB?

Performance: Zuk Z2( a little better than Mi 5)
Development support: Mi 5
Budget: Le 2(or i would recommend redmi note 3/4)
Design and build: Mi5
Decide on basis of your priorities (budget vs dev support), I own a Mi 5 and can say it won't disappoint you.

Hit thanks if it helped.

MrAnswer · Jan 27, 2017

Hi guys,
I'm thinking about a new smartphone for up to 150€.
-EU-Market / available in Germany
-4,5" Display, at least HD (720p)
-4G/LTE with all frequency bands (should have band 800)
-at least 2GB RAM for multi tasking
-8MP camera and above
Nice to have but no must have:
-Snapdragon processor (with quick charge)
-Metal Body
-Fingerprintsensor
-destroy the world with evil laughing button

thanks in adavance

aviralrstg · Jan 27, 2017

MrAnswer said:
Hi guys,
I'm thinking about a new smartphone for up to 150€.
-EU-Market / available in Germany
-4,5" Display, at least HD (720p)
-4G/LTE with all frequency bands (should have band 800)
-at least 2GB RAM for multi tasking
-8MP camera and above
Nice to have but no must have:
-Snapdragon processor (with quick charge)
-Metal Body
-Fingerprintsensor
-destroy the world with evil laughing button

thanks in adavance

I don't know which smartphones are available in your country but I don't think Xiaomi will be available so consider Moto E3 Power, Moto G4 play or if in budget, Moto G4.

wcat33 · Jan 27, 2017

Looking for tablet suggestions

I want 8 inch tablet that has good support for root/twrp/xposed. I want to stick a att sim card for fast 4g/lte. between 100-150 bucks. Thinking Samsung but hoping a few folks can chime in. Thanks in advance.

fedee13 · Jan 27, 2017

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide which phone to buy between these 2: Huawei P9 and LG G4...which one would you choose? Thanks!

iMaterial · Jan 28, 2017

fedee13 said:
Hey guys, I'm trying to decide which phone to buy between these 2: Huawei P9 and LG G4...which one would you choose? Thanks!

I would actually buy the Honor 8 instead of the P9, almost the same, in every way, but nicer design and the fact that you can always buy it for around €200 - €230 here.

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=7972&idPhone2=8195

The honor 8 came out later and even has IR.

... Just my 1 ¢ (It used to be 2¢, but due to the recession I've had to make cutbacks)

fedee13 · Jan 28, 2017

iMaterial said:
I would actually buy the Honor 8 instead of the P9, almost the same, in every way, but nicer design and the fact that you can always buy it for around €200 - €230 here.

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=7972&idPhone2=8195

The honor 8 came out later and even has IR.

... Just my 1 ¢ (It used to be 2¢, but due to the recession I've had to make cutbacks)

Thanks for the alternative, but isn't the camera of the P9 superior than the Honor 8?

Plus I like the metal body of the P9

General **What phone should I buy next?** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here!

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